MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON
WEDNESDAY 26TH MARCH 2008
AT 7 30PM AT THE OLD POST OFFICE
Present
Mr G Brown (Chairman)
Mrs M Shaw (Vice Chairman )
Mrs M Wannell
Mr R Bartlam
Mr J Sant
Mr J Larroucau (Clerk)
Apologies for Absence
Mr D Andrewartha (County Councillor)
In Attendance
Mr D Wride (Disrict Councillor) (after 8.30PM)
Owing to an interruption of the electricity supply to the Village Hall, the meeting had to be held at the Old Post Office Cottage.
Chairman welcomed Councillors to the Meeting and noted that Mr Wride, District Councillor had been delayed and would join the Meeting at 8 30PM.
1-Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 6th February 2008 The Minutes as previously circulated were found to be an accurate record of the Meeting and signed by the Chairman.(22/08)
2-Matters arising from Minutes -Bund at Clingre Farm- Clerk has written to the Highways Agency regarding the concerns of Residents on Motorway Noise. The reply has been circulated to Councillors. Results of the national survey of Motorway noise are being posted on the Defra website. It was agreed that a Meeting of Parish Councillors with Representatives of the Highways Agency should be arranged prior to the annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting on 7th May .(23/08) Action-Clerk
-Green Waste Recycling Bins-Clerk reported that the old style containers had been reinstated. (23a/08)
-Highways Issues-Clerk has again written to Gloucestershire Highways regarding the deterioration of highways in the Parish. No reply has been received. The resurfacing of Taits Hill Road between Echo Lane and the A38 has been completed but flooding problems have recurred. (24/08)
-Community Safety-Mr Sant attended the SDC Meeting on Emergency Planning Response. Clerk was asked to circulate the presentation. (25/08) Action-Clerk
-Grass Verge on Taits Hill Road- Clerk visited Highways records at Shire Hall. Unfortunately records of verge ownership are held by Legal Department. A search would be long undertaking and would only be carried out following a formal request. The view of the officials was that the particular verge is most likely to be County property as it forms a bank rising from the edge of the pavement to the boundary hedge to the adjacent properties. (26/08)
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3-Report by District Councillor Mr Wride noted that the Council Tax had been fixed and that the demands will shortly be posted. (27/08)
An anonymous letter of complaint has been received regarding the activities taking place at the Car Dismantlers on lower Taits Hill Road. (28/08)
He also expressed concern at the large number of Retrospective Planning Applications covering alterations etc which had been completed without prior planning permission. He urged Councillors to remain vigilant in the matter of unapproved building work. (29/08)
4-Planning Matters
Current Applications were reviewed. It was noted that Application S07/1448 was still under consideration (Post Meeting Note-The Application has been withdrawn)
The only current active Enforcement Action concerns the fencing at Melksham Court. It was not possible to give an update on progress as the Officer concerned is away on leave. (30/08)
5-Special Item-Adoption of Parish Plan Mr Bartlam proposed and Mrs Shaw seconded the motion that the Parish Council actively consider each item of the Action Plan with a view to implementation as appropriate.
This was unanimously agreed. The Parish Plan is thereby formally adopted. (31/08)
Chairman then noted that the future Parish Council Meeting Agenda could either include a separate section dealing with Action Plan items or that alternatively they could be considered as part of the usual headings in the Agenda. This latter mode was agreed. (32/08)
Chairman also intends to update Parishioners on the Parish Plan in the course of the next Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting and to raise the issue of the preparation of a Village Design Statement. (33/08)
Mrs Shaw agreed to contact SDC (Krista Harris) on the Welcome to Stinchcombe Pack and the Village Design Statement. (34/08) Action-Mrs Shaw
Clerk raised the issue of potential future financial liabilities falling on the Parish Council resulting from the activities of the Parish Plan Steering Group and the support given by the Parish Council for recent Grant Applications from the Group. Chairman did not think any such liabilities were likely to arise. Clerk nevertheless reminded the Meeting that a similar situation had arisen some years ago. (35/08)
Finally Clerk was asked to approach GCC and explore the practicality of switching off street lighting during late night hours. (36/08) Action-Clerk
6-Footpaths and Rights of Way
Nothing to report (37/08)
7-Highways Clerk reported that an E mail has been received from a Resident of Lower Taits Hill Road deploring the unsafe state of the road near the Car Dismantlers and asking for advice on an application for a speed limit. Clerk was asked to reply to the enquiry pledging the support of the Parish Council. It was also agreed that the speed survey which the Parish Plan Steering Group are conducting at the end of April / early May should be extended to include lower Taits Hill Road. Chairman agreed to approach the Steering Group on the matter. (38/08)
Action-Chairman
Clerk will also ask the Resident to participate in the survey. (39/08) Action-Clerk
8-Facilities -Repairs to Bus Shelter-The first quotation received was unacceptably high. Clerk agreed to explore cheaper alternatives. (40/08) Action-Clerk
-Junior Swings- Chairman reported that at a recent meeting with Officials of DRFC it had been agreed that the climbing frame would be uprooted and the swings moved to the vacated site. Since then members of the Club had signalled that they were unhappy with taking down the frame in which case a new location will have to be agreed for the swings.(41/08)
Continuing Action-Chairman
9-Community Safety
Nothing to report (42/08)
10-Correpondence The latest schedule of correspondence was circulated. (43/08)
11-Financial Matters
-The Statement of Receipts Payments and Authorisations was approved and signed and the Building Society Balance verified. Copy is appended to the Minutes. (44/08)
12-Reports by Councillors
-Mrs Shaw has attended the recent Meeting of the Trustees of Stinchcombe Hill Recreational Ground Trust. Clerk will circulate the Minutes when available (45/08)
Action-Clerk
-Mr Sant commented on the activities of the Neighbourhood warden as described in his monthly report. (46/08)
-Mr Brown reported on the recent Meeting of Chartered Parishes at Shire Hall, which he had attended with the Clerk. (47/08)
Other Councillors had nothing further to report.
13-Dates of Future Meetings -Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting-Wednesday 7th May 2008 at 7 30PM
-Annual General Assembly of the Parish Council- Wednesday 21st May 2008 at 7 30PM
-Meeting of the Parish Council-Wednesday 2nd July 2008 at 7 30PM
One of the issues raised in the parish plan is speeding on the village roads and lanes. A survey was last carried out on the Street in 2003.
It has been decided to carry out a new survey in three areas: Taits Hill, The Avenue/The Street and the far end of Wick Lane.
The speed gun has been booked for the end of April beginning of May. A lot of volunteers will be needed to cover the day from 7am to 7pm in hourly slots, ideally for 3 days.
If you are able to spare some time could you contact your area organiser: Richard Cheetham 01453 542296, Cherry Brown 01453 545355 , or Jack Sant 01453 546802.
The survey will only be successful if we can provide GCC with accurate data over a period of time.
Dog owners who don’t clean up after their dogs mess in public places can be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000. They must also ensure that it wears a collar and tag at all times when in a public place or could face a fine of up to £5,000. To make a complaint about dog fouling, nuisance from barking dogs or report a stray dog visit www.stroud.gov.uk/reportitor call 01453 754497.
STINCHCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON 14th NOVEMBER 2007 AT 7.30PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL
Present
In Attendance
Mrs M Shaw (Vice Chairman of PC)
Mr D.Wride (District Councillor)
Mrs M Wannell
Mr D. Andrewartha (County Councillor -after 8pm)
Mr J Sant
Mr R Bartlam
Mr R Batty (Dursley Rugby Club)
Mr J Larroucau (Clerk)
Eight Parisioners
Apologies for Absence
Mr G Brown
Mrs Shaw, Chairman of the Meeting, welcomed the Parishioners, Mr Batty and the Councillors.
Presentation by Mr Batty (DRFC)
Additional land was purchased from Gloucestershire County Council in March and a swap of land arranged with Mr Policeswski and Mrs Maddon. The purchase has not yet been formally completed due to legal delays but should be complete by the end of November.The work on the Car Park can then proceed although cars are being parked on the field in the meantime.
The next stage will be the construction of a new pitch and this will stretch over some eighteen months as it will require the preparation of the surface and grass seeding. Sufficient funding is in place to cover the work in progress.
The Club are greatly concerned about dogs being exercised on the playing field without proper control. Dog excrement is a particular problem, and is particularly unacceptable with the increasing use of the field by children. Proper control of dogs is essential.
Mrs Shaw noted that the Parish Council had recently met Club Officials to discuss current issues. Communications had been poor and need to be improved. Parishioners wish the village to remain neat and tidy . Additional litter has been a problem and there have been worries about security with the influx of visitors from outside the Parish.The surface of the public footpath at the edge of the extension (CST20) has badly subsided following work by Eon to bury power lines. Mr Batty confirmed that this would be attended to by the contractors. Mr Batty also referred to verbal exchanges which had occurred between Club Officials and Residents. He apologised on behalf of the Club for any upset that may have been caused and undertook to convey the concerns of Residents to Mr Greaves.
In response to the concerns of Parishioners regarding cars being driven by Club supporters along the Bridle way, The Club will provide visiting teams with clearer parking information and try to dissuade home supporters from this practice.
The resiting of the Junior swings was discussed at a recent meeting of the Club Management Committee. The Club’s intentions will shortly be communicated to the Parish Council.One Parishioner noted that the footpath CST20 was obstructed by floodlighting and other equipment and wondered whether there was an intention to close the footpath. Clerk responded that public rights of way could not be extinguished or diverted without proper legal process and that this involved public consultation. Mr Batty confirmed that the present obstructions are temporary and would be removed when the layout of the new pitch is finalised.
Mr Wride stated that the District Council could volunteer the services of the Dog Warden if helpful although his authority on private property was unclear and that they could also install additional dog bins.
Other Parishioners commented that verbal abuse could never be excused whatever the circumstances. Mr Batty apologised again on behalf of the Club.
Finally Mrs Shaw thought that another meeting would be useful in some six months time.This concluded Mr Batty’s presentation. He and the Parishioners then left the Meeting, at which point Mrs Shaw opened the formal Meeting of the Parish Council.
1-Reports by District and County Councillors
Mr Wride noted that in respect of his report contained in the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of 19/09/07 he had intended to indicate that SDC were starting consultation s with the Business Community on the 2008/9 Budget and that the imposition of taxation on unused business premises was an HMG initiative. (131/07)
The development at Hunts Grove has been called in by the Secretary of State and will now go to Planning Appeal. The outcome could have serious implications. If it finds against the District Council more Appeals can be expected and the legal potential costs could have serious impacts on Council Tax. A public meeting has recently been held at Berkeley and the concerns of Residents conveyed to the Secretary of State. Mr Wride asked for the support of the Parish Council. Clerk requested an E mailed precis on the issue for consideration by Councillors at the next Meeting of the Parish Council. (132/07) Action-Mr Wride
SDC have now assumed responsibility for the management of Car Parking in the District. Also the Supermarket in Dursley is going ahead. (133/07)
Mr Andrewartha noted the work of the Gloucestershire Disaster Response Centre.Work has started on the new school building at Rednock. HMG support amounting to £10m has been secured for repairs to highways following the July floods. Additional support is hoped for as the total costs are estimated at £26M.Difficulties are still being experienced when contacting Gloucestershire Highways. Mr Andrewartha will supply Clerk with contact details for Mr Roberts.A team had been set up to resolve drainage issues within the County. (134/07)
2-Approval of Minutes of Parish Council Meeting of 19th September 2007
Mr Wride’s comments under District and County Councillors’ Reports above were noted. The Minutes were then found to represent a true record of the Meeting and signed by the Chairman. (135/07)
3-Matters arising from Minutes
-Highway Issues Following the Annual Highway Maintenance and Transport Seminar Clerk will be preparing a further letter to Gloucestershire Highways to bring outstanding highway issues within the Parish to their attention. (136/07) Action-Clerk
Clerk will arrange to circulate the Transport Seminar Viewgraphs. (137/07) Action-Clerk
-Bund at Clingre Farm Mr Sant is now able to turn his attention to the matter again and will be reporting to the next Parish Council Meeting. (138/07) Action-Mr Sant
-Community Safety Police were unable to provide any further information on the Taits Hill Road break in.(139/07)
All other Actions have been dealt with.(140/07)
4-Planning Matters
Current Planning Applications were reviewed. There were no specific issues. (141/07)
There are no Enforcement Actions underway. (142/07)
5-Footpaths and Rights of Way
Clerk has asked for a Finger sign to be mounted at the junction of Oldhill Lane (CST 15) and the footpath through the DRFC extension (CST 20).
A “No Motor Vehicle” sign has been mounted at the junction of the Avenue and Old London Road (CST36) (143/07)
6-Highways
Issues have already been covered under “Matters arising from Minutes“.
It was noted that public consultation period has started on the extension of the 30MPH limit on Taits Hill Road. (144/07)
7-Facilities
Nothing to report. (145/07)
8-Community Safety
This has already been discussed under “Matters arising from Minutes“. There is nothing further to report. (146/07)
9-Special Items
-Registration of Stinchcombe Green
Clerk noted that registration as a Village Green would confer additional protection against future development compared with the current protection as Common Land.
Clerk is seeking further information under the Commons Act 2006 and will circulate this to Councillors. (147/07) Action-Clerk
-Adoption of Gloucestershire Charter
A copy of the Charter had been circulated to Councillors and had been favourably commented upon.
Mr Sant then proposed and Mrs Wannell seconded the motion that the Gloucestershire Charter be formally adopted. This was unanimously agreed. (148/07)
10-Correspondence
The Schedule of Correspondence is appended to these Minutes. (149/07)
11-Financial Matters
-Precept 2008/9
Clerk has prepared the appended note detailing the likely ongoing payments and receipts to the end of this financial year. This can be used as a basis for setting the Precept for the next financial year. Clerk asked whether the emerging Parish Plan will involve major commitments in terms of services or facilities. Mrs Shaw did not think that this would be the case. The Precept will need to be set at the 19th December Meeting. (150/07)
-The appended Statement of Receipts Payments and Authorisations was approved and the Building Society Account and balance verified. (151/07)
12-Reports by Councillors
Mrs Wannell, Mr Bartlam and Mr Sant had nothing further to report. (152/07)
Mrs Shaw referred to the recent Meeting of the Stinchcombe Hill Recreational Ground Trust. Minutes are being circulated. (152/07)Action-Clerk
Mrs Shaw updated the Councillors on progress with the Parish plan. (153/07)
STINCHCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2007
AT 7.30PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL
Present
In Attendance
Mr G Brown (Chairman)
Mr D.Wride (District Councillor - after 8pm)
Mrs M Shaw (Vice Chairman)
Mr D. Andrewartha (County Councillor -after 8pm)
Mr R Bartlam
Mr J Larroucau (Clerk)
Apologies for Absence
Mrs M Wannell
Mr J Sant
Chairman opened the Meeting and noted that the County and District Councillors would be joining the Meeting after 8PM.
1-Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 4th July 2007
The Minutes as circulated were accepted as a true record of the Meeting and signed by the Chairman. (107/07)
2-Matters arising from Minutes
-Gloucestershire Highways Clerk noted that following the Gloucestershire floods in July he had been notified that only urgent maintenance work would be considered. Under the circumstances he is delaying a new approach on the November letter until the a more normal state of affairs has returned. He also noted some changes in personnel. He will raise the matter of Highway maintenance issues in the Parish at the forthcoming Annual Highways Maintenance and Transport Seminar. (108/07) Continuing Action-Clerk
-Bund at Clingre Farm-In Mr Sant’s absence no update was available on this matter. (109/07) Continuing Action-Mr Sant
-Fencing at Melksham Court The Retrospective Planning Applications have now been approved. Clerk was asked to circulate copies of the Permissions. (110/07) Action-Clerk
-Street Lighting No further communication has been received from GCC on the subject. County Councillor did not think that GCC would implement any switch off without prior consultation with and notification of the Parish Council. (111/07)
-Facilities A Site Meeting has been held at the new access gate to Stragglers Field. This was attended by Officers of the DRFC and on behalf of the Parish Council by the Chairman and the Clerk. It will be necessary to move the Swings and Safety Surface Northwards by approximately 2m to clear the access track. It was agreed to arrange a further Meeting after the gate had been completed and the proposed line of the track marked out. Chairman will approach DRFC and arrange a date for the Meeting and Clerk will notify Councillors. (112/07)
The state of the footpath adjoining Stragglers Field will also be raised at this meeting.(113/ 07)Action-Chairman and Clerk
Community Safety No update on the break in at Taits Hill Road was available at the recent Community Safety meeting. Clerk will again raise the issue at the next Meeting.(114/07) Action-Clerk
The schedule of visits by the Mobile Police station remains in some confusion following personnel changes. (115/07)
3-Reports by County and District Councillors
-Mr Andrewartha reported on a number of issues. The introduction of a sensible Waste Management Strategy is lagging and the performance on recycling is now well behind that of other Counties. Within the County SDC are leading the field. The matter needs resolution as the financial penalties for failure will be considerable.
Political moves are underway to reverse the decision to relocate the Tricall centre from Gloucester to Taunton. The recent floods had demonstrated the effectiveness of the Centre and its relocation would inevitably result in a reduction in the quality of service. County Councillor asked Parish Councillors to support the online petition.
He finally noted that repairs to flood damage and the continuing increases in regulatory burden were placing heavy stress on financial resources and that the outlook on Council Tax was not good. (116/07)
-Mr Wride reported that a special Cabinet Meeting was being held to review the lessons learned during the July floods. A pilot scheme is underway to collect kitchen waste from 1700 households The results will then be evaluated. Responsibilities for the management of Car Parking within the District is being taken over by the District Council. As part of this the maintenance and reinstatement of yellow lines on road surfaces is underway. Finally the District Council is starting consultations with the business community on the proposal for the taxing of unused business premises. Results will be presented to the Council in November. (117/07)
4-Planning Matters
Current Planning Applications were reviewed. Clerk reported that the Application for Change of Use of the existing Garage and Stables at “Clovergate” would be treated under delegated powers The Crest Nicholson advertisement boards along Taits Hill Road have now been removed. (118/07)
5-Footpaths and Rights of Way
It was reported that the Bridleway between Oldhill Lane and the Industrial Estate was partially blocked. Clerk undertook to investigate (119/07) (Post Meeting Note-The Bridleway appears to be clear)
6-Highways
Mrs Shaw noted a number of visits by Gloucestershire Highways to Oldhill Lane and subsequent repairs of the surface. Highways management appears to be in some disarray Mr Andrewartha noted that the repairs to flood damaged roads, many of them in Stroud District, were expected to exceed £25M putting County budgets under severe stress. The reallocation of budgets to flood damage repair remains unsettled. These matters will be raised at the forthcoming Highways Seminar. Mrs Shaw intends to attend the Seminar . Clerk will forward a copy of the Agenda. (120/07) Action-Clerk
7-Facilities
The issue has been discussed above under “Matters Arising”. Clerk noted that a letter had been received from RoSPA stating that no satisfactory explanation could be found for the failure to detect the decay of the swings in the course of the Annual Safety Inspection and that under the circumstances the invoice had been cancelled. (121/07)
8-Community Safety
Clerk reported on the Meeting of the Dursley Cluster of Parishes held at Kingshill House on 13th September. Clerk had expressed concern on the large number of Burglaries (Non Dwelling) recorded in the crime statistics and the failure of the Police to achieve any detections. Such burglaries had taken place throughout the Parish. Clerk will again raise the issue with the Police at a later date. Under the circumstances Residents are strongly urged to be vigilant and ensure that garden sheds are kept locked and secured. (122/07)Action-Clerk
9-Correspondence
The current schedule of correspondence was circulated and is appended to the Minutes. (123/07)
10-Adoption of Gloucestershire Charter
A second edition of the Charter has now been received. Clerk noted that adoption of the Charter commit’s the County Council to consultation and information of Parishes on a significant number of issues. It also gives an opportunity to attend the Discussion Forum at Shire Hall. Clerk therefore strongly urged Councillors to adopt the Charter. Clerk was asked to circulate the document which will then be discussed at the next Meeting of the Parish Council (124/07)Action-Clerk
11-Financial Matters
Chairman expressed the gratitude of the Council to the Clerk for the successful closure of the Annual Financial Audit. (125/07)
The current Statement of Receipts Payments and Authorisations was approved and the Building Society Account verified.(126/07)
Mr Bartlam stated that no further payments for the support of the Newsletter by the Parish Council would be necessary this year and that further costs would be covered by advertising revenues. It was agreed that such payments would be made into the Parish Council Account.(127/07)
Chairman thanked the District Councillor for his generosity in covering the production cost of the next issue of the Newsletter.(128/07)
12-Reports by Councillors
-Mrs Shaw and Mr Bartlam had nothing further to report (129/07)
-Chairman reported that the Parish Plan had reached the stage where the Action Plan had been firmed up and consultations with the various Authorities concluded. A first draft will be considered at the next Meeting of the Parish Plan Steering Group.(130/07)
13-Dates of Next Meetings
-Wednesday 14th November at 7 30PM
-Wednesday 19th December at 7PM
The Meeting was closed at 9 30PM
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 4TH JULY 2007 AT 7 30PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL
Present In Attendance
Mr G Brown (Chairman) Mr D Wride (District Councillor)
Mrs M Shaw (Vice Chairman) Mr D Andrewartha (County Councillor)
Mr R Bartlam
Mr J Sant Apologies for Absence
Mr j Larroucau (Clerk) Mrs M Wannell
Chairman welcomed the District Councillor and opened the Meeting.
1-Approval of Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 16th may 2007
The Minutes as circulated were accepted as true record of the Meeting and signed by the Chairman. (81/07)
2-Matters arising from Minutes
-Trustee to Stinchcombe United Charities-Clerk has notified the Secretary of the Charity of Mr Sant’s nomination. (82/07)
-Quarterly Newsletter-Mr Bartlam reported that this is now likely to be self funding. Mrs Shaw then proposed and Mr Sant seconded the motion that the current £80 payment to cover the production costs of the Newsletter be discontinued and that a new payment should be agreed with Mr Bartlam at the next Meeting. This was unanimously agreed. (83/07)
It was also agreed that any payments made by sponsors should be paid into the Parish Council account. (84/07)
It was noted that Mr Bartlam will be relinquishing the editorship of the Newsletter next April and that he will be continuing to organise its publication. A new Editor will therefore need to be appointed. The matter will be raised at the Parish Plan Meeting on 9th July next. The Chairman then thanked Mr Bartlam warmly for his outstanding efforts in the production of the Newsletter to a fully professional standard. (85/07)
-Playsafety Ltd-Clerk has asked the Company for a detailed report on the circumstances leading to the failure of the Junior Swings shortly after the annual safety inspection and has informed the Company that the failed timbers are available for inspection at the back of the Village Hall. The report is awaited. (86/07)
-Gloucestershire Highways-Despite further exchanges of Emails a response to the October letter is still awaited. Clerk intends to write to the Chief executive of the County Council. Clerk was asked to send copies of the correspondence to the County Councillor. (87/07) Action-Clerk
-Bund at Clingre Farm-A synopsis of the current situation for the attention of the District Councillor will be prepared next week. (88/07)Continuing Action-Mr Sant
-Revised Code of Conduct-The letter from SDC has been circulated to Councillors. (89/07)
3-Reports by District and County Councillors
-Mr Wride reported that the Planning Application by Messrs Saintsbury for the Dursley Supermarket had been approved. He also noted that the financial accounts of the District Council had been approved and asked for the paper on Enforcement Procedures prepared for the recent Planning Training Session to be circulated to Councillors. (90/07) Action-Clerk
-Mr Andrewartha-reported that new procedures are being introduced for contacting Gloucestershire Highways. This will be the subject of an E mail. Pilot trials are proceeding on switching off street lighting after midnight in selected locations with the objectives of saving energy costs and reducing CO2 generation. Comments have been received from Residents. Finally Mr Andrewartha reported on the work in progress at the County Council to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. (91/07)
4-Planning Applications
Current Planning Applications were reviewed.Clerk reported on the various Enforcement Actions
The Crest Nicholson Signs at Taits Hill and Echo Lane were still in place. The matter has been raised again with SDC Enforcement Officers but is seen to be a low priority issue.
SDC Officers have held a Site Meeting with the Agent at Melksham Court on the matter of the fencing. Close boarded fencing near the gate will be taken down and ultimately replaced by Hedging. The Listed Building Officer has been involved in discussions regarding the attachment of fencing to the structure of the Barn. It is unclear whether new Planning Applications will be raised to cover the changes and what the degree of consultation with the Parish Council will be. Mr Wride agreed to look into these matters. (91/07) Action-Mr Wride
5-Adoption of Modified Code of Conduct
Chairman outlined the three options presented in the SDC letter previously circulated to Councillors. Mr Bartlam then proposed and Mr Sant seconded the motion that Option A be adopted ie that Stinchcombe Parish Council adopt the Local Authorities Model Code of Conduct 2007 including paragraph 12(2) with effect from 1st September 2007 and also the non enforceable Annex to the Code the Statement of General Principles from the same date. This was agreed unanimously. (92/07) Clerk was asked to notify SDC accordingly. (93/07) Action-Clerk
6-Footpaths and Rights of Way
Clerk noted that the Bridleway signs on Oldhill Lane have been repositioned to more prominent locations and that the surfaces of the various bridleways in the Parish have degraded significantly following the recent heavy rain storms. (94/07)
7-Highways
Clerk noted that a letter has been received from Gloucestershire Highways asking Parishes for suggestions and comments on switching off street lighting after midnight. This will be circulated to Councillors. (95/07) Action-Clerk
Clerk has contacted Gloucestershire Highways on the unsatisfactory state of manhole covers following the recent resurfacing of Dursley Road Woodfield. This was noted by the County Councillor. (96/07)
8-Facilities
Chairman noted that two issues needed to be addressed in regard of the Playground, the failure of the Junior Swings and the new .access track to the field behind the Village Hall. Clerk was asked to arrange a site meeting with Officers of Dursley Rugby Football Club to review the implications of the new access on the siting of the swings considering that the Parish Council had budgeted for their replacement. (97/07) Action-Clerk
9-Community Safety
Clerk intends to raise the matter of the recent break in on Taits Hill Road at the next Meeting of the Dursley Cluster of Parishes and ask the Police representatives for further details. (98/07) Action-Clerk
Mr Sant noted that the schedule of visits of the Mobile Police Station remains unclear. Clerk will raise the matter again with the Community Safety Officer. (99/07) Action-Clerk
10-Parish Plan Update
Chairman noted that a Public Meeting had been arranged on Monday 9th July at 7 30PM in the Village Hall. (100/07)
11-Correspondence
The Schedule of Correspondence is appended to these Minutes. (101/07)
12-Financial Matters
-Approval of Accounts for Financial Year ended on 31st March 2007 Clerk noted that the accounts had been audited by the Internal Auditor. The annual Return was now being presented to the Parish Council for formal approval.
-Statement of Accounts-Mr Sant proposed and Mrs Shaw seconded the motion that the Statement of Accounts (Section 1 of the Annual Return) be adopted as presented. This was unanimously agreed. The Statement was then signed by the Chairman (102/07)
-Annual Governance Statement-Mr Sant proposed and Mr Bartlam seconded the motion that the Annual Governance Statement (Section 2 of the Annual Return) be adopted as presented. This was unanimously agreed. The Statement was then signed by the Chairman. (103/07)
-The Statement of Receipts Payments and Authorisations was approved and is appended to the Minutes. The Building Society Account was verified. (104/07)
13-Reports by Councillors
-Mrs Shaw noted that the footpath along the far boundary of Stagglers Field had been disturbed by recent power cable burying operations and was in a dangerous state. It was agreed to discuss the matter at the Site Meeting with DRFC Officials. (105/07)
Other Councillors had nothing further to report. (106/07)
14-Dates of Next Meetings -Wednesday 29th August 2007 at 7 30PM
-Wednesday 10th October 2007 at 7 30PM
The Stinchcombe Challenge - A fun activity for all the family by John Pinch
What is it? - A fun day activity is being planned for families in Stinchcombe. It is a kind of treasure hunt and the route will take you on footpaths around parts of the village. You will be expected to keep your eyes peeled for objects and landmarks. Oh - and there are one or two questions to be answered!
Who can take part? - Individuals and groups can take part and there is no cost or admission fee.
What do you have to do? - Each group will be supplied with a sheet of clues and questions and the winners will be the group with the most correct answers. In the event of a tie names will be plucked from a hat. There are a number of prizes! Flyers will be dropped through your letterbox shortly and it would be helpful if you could phone Wendy Hamilton on 01453 545461 to let her know you are taking part.
How long will it take? - Up to 2 hours
When is it? - Sunday, 10th June at 2.30pm
Where do we start and where do we end up? - The start will be the playing field behind the village hall. The finish will be ......…
Do we need to take special provisions or wear special clothes? - Only if you get lost and strong shoes will be useful. So book the date in your diaries and on the calendar
Profile Group undertook to
provide a map of the current state of the parish showing boundaries
and conservation area. A brief history. A snap shot of the parish
as it is at the moment.
